Balaghat, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The region was once part of the ancient kingdoms of the Mauryas and the Satavahanas, with later rule by the Marathas and British colonial powers. Known for its dense forests, wildlife, and mineral resources, Balaghat is home to the Kanha National Park, a major tourist attraction famous for its tiger reserve and diverse wildlife. The region’s natural beauty, including the Baihar and Lanji hill stations, along with ancient temples and forts, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
Tourist Attractions In Balaghat : 8
By Air - Sonegaon airport at Nagpur about 121 kms and Jabalpur airport at Jabalpur about 134 kms are the two airports located near to Balaghat. One can also avail the services of local/state owned (MPSRTC) buses for Balaghat.
By Train - Balaghat is situated on narrow gauge line of Jabalpur Balaghat and broad gauge line of Balaghat Gondia section of south eastern railway. Therefore the nearest broad gauge railway station is Gondia, Maharashtra which is at a distance of about 4.6 kms from Balaghat.
By Road - Balaghat is well connected by road. State Highways 11 and 26 are the nearest connecting highways to the city of Balaghat.
By Bus - The city of Balaghat is directly linked with important places such as Bhopal, Nagpur, Gondia, Jabalpur, Raipur etc by state owned (MPSRTC) bus services. Therefore one can drive down or avail the services of local and Government bus services to move to Balaghat from the above mentioned nearby and major cities of the states, namely Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Local Transport - Tourists can find local taxis, buses, cars and other luxurious and non luxurious vehicles in Balaghat. If comfortable with the railways, then one can move to the city through the trains as well. Though Balaghat is a small place, tourists will be able to get many vehicles for travel comfort.
Here are some famous traditional dishes and places to eat in Balaghat:
1. Madhya Pradesh Thali:
- Specialty: Traditional Thali with Dal, Baati, and local vegetables.
- Location: Various local eateries across the town.
- Experience the authentic flavors of Madhya Pradesh with a wholesome Thali, featuring regional delicacies like Dal Baati, Sabzi, and Raita.
2. Bamboo Chicken (Jungle Style):
- Specialty: Chicken cooked in bamboo with tribal spices.
- Location: Roadside dhabas near Kanha National Park.
- A unique culinary experience, Bamboo Chicken is a traditional tribal recipe where marinated chicken is cooked inside bamboo, giving it a smoky and earthy flavor.
3. Chana Samosa:
- Specialty: Samosas served with spicy chana curry.
- Location: Local stalls in the market area.
- A popular street food snack in Balaghat, the crispy samosa paired with tangy chana curry is a delightful treat.
4. Paanipuri and Sev Puri:
- Specialty: Tangy and spicy street food.
- Location: Street vendors across Balaghat town.
- Balaghat’s street food is incomplete without savoring these crispy delights, bursting with tangy water and spices. Sev Puri, topped with crunchy sev and chutneys, is another favorite.
5. Kadhi Chawal:
- Specialty: Rice with tangy yogurt-based curry.
- Location: Family-run restaurants and dhabas.
- A comforting and simple dish, Kadhi Chawal is a must-try for its perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.
6. Lapsi:
- Specialty: Broken wheat dessert.
- Location: Sweet shops in Balaghat.
- Lapsi is a traditional sweet dish made from broken wheat and jaggery, typically enjoyed during festivals. It’s a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
7. Poha Jalebi:
- Specialty: Flattened rice with a crispy sweet jalebi.
- Location: Breakfast stalls in the town.
- A beloved breakfast combination in Balaghat, the light and savory poha paired with the sugary crunch of jalebi is an unbeatable duo.
8. Bhutte ka Kees:
- Specialty: Grated corn cooked with spices and milk.
- Location: Local eateries.
- A regional delicacy from Madhya Pradesh, Bhutte ka Kees is a flavorful and healthy dish made from grated corn. It's slightly sweet and mildly spiced, offering a unique taste.
9. Sabudana Khichdi:
- Specialty: Sago pearls cooked with peanuts and spices.
- Location: Local eateries and food stalls.
- A popular dish during fasting, Sabudana Khichdi is light yet filling, with the subtle crunch of peanuts and the softness of soaked sago pearls.
10. Gulab Jamun:
- Specialty: Soft, syrup-soaked dessert.
- Location: Sweet shops in the market.
- End your culinary journey in Balaghat with the ever-popular Gulab Jamun, a soft and sweet dessert soaked in sugar syrup, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
When in Balaghat, don’t miss the chance to explore these delicious and diverse regional dishes, offering a true taste of the local culture and flavors.
In the gentle embrace of nature's timeless touch, where the whispers of forests mingle with the echoes of ancient hills, Balaghat, a serene retreat of natural splendor and cultural grace, beckons travelers, weaving tales of wilderness, heritage, and quiet charm.
Balaghat enjoys a pleasant climate from October to March.
The ideal time to explore Balaghat is 2-3 days.
Balaghat is close to many nearby tourist destinations like Kanha National Park (80 km), Pench National Park (150 km), and Bhedaghat (170 km), offering a mix of wildlife, natural beauty, and historical significance.
Updated Jul 19
circuit House, Main Rd, Balaghat 481001, Madhya Pradesh, India
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